Replantation of digits

Definition

Replantation of digits is surgery to reattach fingers or toes that have been cut off (amputated).

Alternative Names

Revascularization of amputated digits; Reattachment of amputated fingers

Description

Surgery is done the following way:

  • General anesthesia will be given. This means the person will be asleep and unable to feel pain. Or regional anesthesia (spinal and epidural) will be given to numb the arm or leg.
  • The surgeon removes damaged tissue.
  • The ends of the bones are trimmed.
  • The surgeon places the finger or toe (called the digit) in place. The bones are rejoined with wires or a plate and screws.
  • Tendons are repaired, followed by nerves and blood vessels. Nerve and blood vessel repair is the most important step to the success of the procedure. If needed, tissue with nerves and blood vessels from another part of the body is used.
  • The wound is closed with stitches and bandaged.

Why the Procedure Is Performed

The surgery is done when fingers or toes have been amputated and are still in a condition that would allow replantation.

Risks

Risks of anesthesia and surgery in general include:

  • Breathing problems
  • Reactions to medicines
  • Bleeding, blood clots, infection

Risks of this surgery include:

  • Death of the replanted tissue
  • Decreased nerve function or movement in the replanted digit
  • Loss of sensation in the replanted tissue
  • Stiffness of the digits
  • Pain that continues after surgery
  • More surgeries are required for the replanted digit
  • Infection of the replanted tissue

After the Procedure

Special care will be taken while you are in the hospital to make sure blood flows properly to the reattached part. The arm or leg will be kept raised. The room may be kept warm to ensure proper blood flow. The reattached part will be checked often to make sure there is good blood flow.

After you are released from the hospital, you may need to wear a cast to protect the finger or toe. The surgeon may prescribe blood-thinning medicines to prevent blood clots.

Proper care of the amputated part or parts is very important to successful replantation. Under the right conditions, there is a good chance that the surgery can restore the use of the finger or toe. You will need follow-up visits with your health care provider, who will continue checking blood flow in the surgery area.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Children are better candidates for replantation surgery because of their greater ability to heal and regrow tissue.

Replantation of an amputated part is best done within 6 hours after the injury. But replantation can still be successful if the amputated part has been cooled for up to 24 hours after the injury.

You will not have the same flexibility in the finger or toe after surgery. Pain and sensation changes may continue.

References

Higgins JP. Replantation and transplantation. In: Wolfe SW, Pederson WC, Kozin SH, Cohen MS. Green's Operative Hand Surgery. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 42.

Klausmeyer MA, Jupiter JB. Replantation. In: Browner BD, Jupiter JB, Krettek C, Anderson PA, eds. Skeletal Trauma: Basic Science, Management, and Reconstruction. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 51.

Rose E. Management of amputations. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 47.

Review Date: 9/20/2022
Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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